Question : TRADE WITH PAKISTAN

(a) whether the trade movement between Indian and Pakistan at Attari Wagah land route continue to remain affected due to exorbitant amount of handling charges at the newly built integrated check post;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the reasons for keeping such exorbitant handling charges;

(d) whether any representation has been received from the traders in this regard;

(e) if so, the details thereof and reaction of the Government thereto; and

(f) the corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a) No Madam.

(b) Does not arise.

(c) The cargo operations at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) are being performed by Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC). The handling charges were fixed by CWC on the basis of the rates received in an open tender enquiry and subsequent negotiations held with the representatives of Porters/Labourers working at ICP Attari. These are comparable to the handling cost at other Land Custom Stations, inland container depots (ICD) and Sea Ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT).

(d) Yes Madam.

(e) Confederation of International Chamber of Commerce & Industry and SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry sent in representations to Central Warehousing Corporation praying for further rationalization of (i) handling and storage tariff, (ii) improvement in existing infrastructure for storage of loose cargo such as gypsum, clinker, coal, etc. and (iii) exemption from levy of service tax. The issues raised were deliberated and sorted out in a meeting held with stakeholders by CWC and LPAI keeping in view the overall interest of cross-border trade between the two countries. As regards exemption from levy of service tax, the trade was advised to send its representation to the concerned authorities.

(f) Does not arise.